The Danger Of Dark Patterns [telecom]

[Bill Horne]

by Renee B. Appel

On November 3, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) filed a Complaint
and Stipulated Order in federal court against an internet phone
service provider to stop it from imposing junk fees and making it
difficult for users to cancel their service. This action follows the
FTC's September publication of "Bringing Dark Patterns to Light," a
report demonstrating companies' increased use of design practices
known as "dark patterns" to influence consumers buying behavior (the
"Staff Report"). The Staff Report is derived from a virtual workshop
the FTC held in April 2021 addressing user interfaces across websites
and mobile apps. In connection with announcing the Staff Report,
Samuel Levine, Director of the FTC's Bureau of Consumer Protection
explained, "Our report shows how more and more companies are using
digital dark patterns to trick people into buying products and giving
away their personal information." It was the FTC's intent that the
report "send a clear message that these traps will not be tolerated."
The FTC's latest enforcement action confirms that message.

https://www.mondaq.com/article/news/1252944?q=1803232&n=617&tp=4&tlk=17&lk=47